fejjj

Do I need to O ring the sleeves as well?

If I do decide to remove the rings to go with a MLS gasket, what is the process?

URG8RB8

No, and if you want to remove from head the machine shop will know what to do.

blown 944

Looks like this engine build has taken on a life of its own. Nice to see. I'll try to catch up now that I have a bit more time.

333pg333

If it's strictly a street driven car then I can't imagine you'd have many issues at all assuming the tune is not on the ragged edge. If you're going to go to the track then the sustained periods on boost will bring all the parts and assembly into question.

fejjj

What are your guys thoughts on using a copper gasket seeing that the head is o ringed?

333pg333

I don't think you need to bother at this stage. We have run a copper gasket with slightly mixed results but again, that's at higher boost for much longer durations. If your head is O ringed and you can buy a Widefire to suit, then I'd try that first and would think if it's done properly you won't have any issues at all.

blown 944

Cosideribg we are in the hybrid thread, you may want to think about the bore size of you are thinking of a widefire composite. The bore sizes I use are bigger than the stock size. I Havnt read what you are doing but it's worth looking into.

fejjj

The bore size after sleeving will be stock or slightly bigger.

What are your thoughts on using a copper gasket?

Also, the valve springs in the head have a seat pressure of 145. Do you think that will be okay with the stock 951 cam?

blown 944

Cooper head gaskets are hot and miss from past experience.

145 seat pressure is overkill for a stock cam, but doesn't hurt really. Just unnecessary.

fejjj

Thanks Sid, I so appreciate your input here!

Would you use a WF gasket then or would you remove the o rings and go MLS?

My engine builder said he would have to skim the head about 40/1000 in order to make it flat after o ring removal.

blown 944

If you can use the widefire still, I would.

fejjj

Ok.

He really likes the copper ones and said he has had good success with them so I will let him know what you said. I am using ARP studs as well.

Is there a particular crank scraper that fits our 2.5 blocks or do you just buy one and cut it to size?

333pg333

The copper ones can work well. It worked well on our 3.1lt 8v. We had other issues on the smaller race motor that wasn't to do with the copper. We had independent firing rings made up to work with it. But as I mentioned and Sid has echoed, I would just go with the Widefire for now. The advantage that the Cometic has is that if you go to the track and get some headlift, you can still drive the car home on lower boost as it re seals sufficiently.

fejjj

Great information!

Thanks Patrick.

fejjj

Do the rods require bushings after machining the small end to .927 to fit the pins?

I thought I saw that Shawn said that the bushings were not necessary.